Summer Essentials 2016

Ah, it’s that time of the year again. When the word ‘summer’ is mentioned, most people immediately conjure up images of holidays, beaches, cocktails, barbecues, and tanning. These thoughts cross my mind also, however as my excitement for the warmer months builds, I also spend a few moments planning how my beauty regime will change to accommodate the change in temperature, and the products I will need to keep me healthy, happy and hydrated.

Hydration – one of the most important words in my vocabulary. Not only is this important all year round, but especially in summer. Now, not only are our insides in need of hydration, but our skin, hair, eyes, lips and nails can all suffer from external influences. Everywhere we go during the hotter months, there are things to dehydrate us – the sun, sea water, sand, windy shores, air conditioning, alcohol, fizzy drinks, sweat and even salty barbecue meats.

So many things we don’t realise are dehydrating us – but do not fear, there are many ways to aid our bodies to ensure maximum hydration all summer long.

1. Water – possibly the most important and vital way to keep hydrated during summer. It is suggested that in the summer months, a person should drink about 2.5 litres of water a day, which seems a vast amount, but is very manageable, even when you’re at work, or on the go. Take a 1 litre bottle to work, school or when going out for the day, and keep sipping as the day goes on to stay constantly hydrated – don’t leave it until you feel thirsty. Water is a better option than coffee or soda, as these make you feel thirstier. My favourite water to carry is Fiji, as it comes in a handy 1 litre size, is refillable, and unlike most plastic bottles is durable, meaning I can use it time and time again.

2. Optrex Intensive Eye Drops, £4.99 – your eyes go through a lot when the sun is beating down. Even when wearing sunnies, your eyes are exposed to high temperatures, salt water an dry, sea air, all of which can dry out and irritate your eyes. Using general eye drops can protect eyes, preventing irritation and keeping eyeballs moist. I suggest using them in the morning to protect throughout the day, and before bed to re-hydrate from the day.

3. Evian Facial Spray, approx. £4.00 – keeping cool can be difficult in many circumstances, such as sitting in the office, being on the tube, or even when
lounging around on the beach, the shade can be scorching. Evian
Facial Spray is a quick and easy way to instantly refresh yourself – and the great part is, it’s enriched with vitamins and minerals which hydrate you skin, and for us makeup lovers, it doesn’t run your makeup and even claims to keep your makeup in place.

3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face and Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 70. Approx. £8.50 – start your day off correctly and apply SPF to the skin, before applying makeup. It can be a pain to use sunscreen under makeup, as it can be oily and nonabsorbent; however this sunscreen absorbs into the skin, leaving no oily residue or stickiness. SPF is so very important, to protect skin from UV rays, helping to prevent sun burn and premature ageing.

5. The Body Shop Instaglow CC Cream, £14.00 – foundation can feel heavy for a lot of us during summer, especially on scorching days when it can feel as if its melting off, however there is an alternative – CC cream. Although CC cream is not for everyone, the all new Instaglow CC Cream by The Body Shop does not disappoint. Coming in 3 glowing shades – Peachy, Bright and Warm – the cream reduces oil on the skin, reduces pores and gives the skin a summery glow, without feeling your makeup is too heavy for the heat. Even for foundation lovers like me, this CC cream can be used under foundation for the soft sun kissed glow we all crave.

6. Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF 30, £11.00 – never forget that your lips can get sunburn too! It’s something so many people forget, as most people don’t want to smother their lips with sunscreen; however it’s so easy to prevent this with lip balm. Most lip balms tend to have SPF in them, however it’s important to check. Sun burnt lips are so very painful, so please take care of your pout!

7. Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ Sunscreen, £18.99 – you don’t have to buy a sunscreen quite so pricey, however it is important to ensure the sunscreen you buy is from a trusted brand in order to make sure the SPF that is stated actually exists in the product. Sunscreen is the number 1 product to use all summer. Protecting skin from sun burn, sun spots, premature ageing and skin cancer is the most important thing in the world, and although it may seem hassle to keep reapplying, you will thank yourself later in life. People are often against using sunscreen as they believe it prevents tanning – this is not the case at all! As well as this, people are put off by oily sunscreens that take a while to dry, so do a quick internet search to find a quick drying one. A cheaper alternative would be L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Hydra Lotion Spray SPF 50+, £8.50. So lather up and stay sun safe!

8. Avene After Sun Repair, £13.00 – even if you haven’t been sun burnt, it’s important to soothe the skin and nourish it, especially after experiencing sand and sea water against your body. After sun is essential to replenish your body after a hot day.

9. Orly Cuticle Oil Plus, £15.00 – digging around in the sun making sand castles, having a quick dip in the sea, touching greasy barbecue food day after day can take a toll on your poor nails and cuticles. Nourishing them with an oil a few times a week can rejuvenate them, helping nails to grow strong and soft cuticles help to protect nails.

10. GlamGlow Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment Mask, £49.00 – without proper care, skin may start to look a little dull and dry due to the heat and UV rays experienced daily, therefore a face mask may be needed to give it a little boost. Whereas most mud masks lay dry out your skin, the GlamGlow Thirsty Mud mask hydrates and quenches the skin, leaving it
    glowing and radiant, repairing it thoroughly after one use. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, and cheaper alternatives are available, however make sure it is a hydrating mask as to avoid your skin gasping for moisture. 

11. Khiels Creamy Eye Treatment, £20.00 – all that squinting to keep the sun out of your eyes can affect the delicate skin surrounding your eyes, so make sure to use a nourishing eye cream to prevent sun wrinkles around the eyes.

12. Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Colour Deep Conditioning Treatment, £3.00 – sea salt and UV rays can dry out hair, cause major split ends, and can impact on the colour of your hair also. Therefore, it’s important to nourish, nourish, nourish, and keep your hair as hydrated and conditioned as possible. Using a quick conditioning treatment can reverse the impacts of sun on your hair, keeping it shiny and sleek all summer long.

So there you have it – my summer essentials 2016. Although these are just suggestions, please remember hydration in the warm months is key to looking and feeling great, and you’ll thank yourself for it when you’re keeping your cool amongst others overheating, with supple and soft skin and hair to go with it. Remember the 3 H’s – Happiness, Health and Hydration!